India has Toughened Stance on Siachen (Gen Kayani)

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani said Thursday that India had toughened its stance on Siachen as compared to 1989.

Speaking to reporters after his third visit to Gayari to review rescue work, Army Chief Kayani said India had now been demanding the re-determination of positions. Kayani added that it “takes two hands to clap.”

According to a ISPR press release issued earlier, Army Chief Kayani was briefed about the progress of the ongoing work including efforts to create a water course to safely drain the lake which was formed by the blocking of the Gayari River by the avalanche.

The satellite data link also became operational today, which will allow real time video monitoring of relief work from GHQ.

Army Chief Kayani remained with the troops for some time and lauded their motivation in face of tough conditions and extreme weather. He appreciated their resolve to upkeep Army’s proud tradition of not leaving a man behind, until humanly possible, regardless of cost.

COAS was also accompanied by Commander Rawalpindi Corps and a media team, invited to witness firsthand, the ongoing activities at disaster site.